Restraint apparatus



March 23, 1965 E. H. REPLOGLE RESTRAINT APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet l FiledSept. l2, 1963 Y Y inrk.. Il

'.:mwmssu INVENTOR.

EDWARD H. REPLO'GLE ATTORNEYS March 23, 1965 Filed Sept. l2, 1965E.H.REPLOGLE RESTRAINT APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 i i si W V M v i! YINVENTOR. EWARD H. REPLOGLE @www ATTORNEYS March 23, 1965 E. H. REPLOGLERESTRAINT APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. l2, 1963 EDWARD H.REPLOGLE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR EDWARD H. REPLOGLE EH.REPLOGLERESTRAINT APPARATUS March 23, 1965 Filed sept. 12, 1963 ATTORNEYS March23, 1965 E, H. REPLOGLE RESTRAINT APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept*l2, 1983 INVENTOR.

EDWARD H. REPLOGLE ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,174,704 RESTFAINTAFPARATUS Edward H. `Ieplogle., 7174 Iransit Road, Buaio, NX. FiiedSept. 12, 1963, Ser. No. 368,591 l@ Claims. (Cl. 242-4014) Thisinvention relates to improvements in restraint apparatus, and moreparticularly to such apparatus of the type associated with a passengersupporting seat in a vehicle such as an automobile or airplane andincluding a restraining element such as a belt which engages the body ofthe passenger and is eiiective to hold him to the seat during rapiddeceleration.

An important object of the present invention is to provide suchrestraint apparatus in which the restraining element when worn by apassenger is in a normally lockedup condition whereby the restrainingelement is prevented from being payed out or protracted further.

Another object is to provide such restraint apparatus in which therestraining element when not in use is retained in a retracted conditionfrom which it can be protracted to any extent desired for use.

Another object is to provide such restraint apparatus in which therestraining element is constantly biased toward full retraction so thatwhen manually protracted for use and manually released the restrainingelement will automatically adjust to tit the particular wearer.

Still another object is to provide such restraint apparatus in which therestraining element when to be used is allowed to be over-protractedmanually a first time from a fully retracted condition so as to enablethe element to be fastened about the wearers body, following which whenunhanded there is some automatic retraction to take up slack in tittingthe wearers body which renders the restraining element incapable ofbeing protracted to any extent a second time.

Another aim of the invention is to provide such restraint apparatus inwhich the restraining element can be released from its normallylocked-up condition so as to free the wearer, by unfastening therestraining element and allowing it to retract substantially fully,following which it is capable of being protracted manually again to anydesired extent.

Another object is to provide such restraint apparatus which isrelatively simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and notlikely to get out of order or require repairs.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear fromthe ensuing detailed description of several embodiments thereofillustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. l is a perspective view on a diminutive scale of restraintapparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention and showing a reel structure constituting one embodimentthereof associated with a passenger carrying seat represented inphantom, several of such reel structures being illustrated.

FIG. 2 is the vertical central longitudinal sectional view, on anenlarged scale, of one of the reel structures shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional View thereof taken on tine 3-3of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is another vertical transverse sectional view thereof taken online 4 4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is still another vertical transverse sectional view thereof takenon line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is yet another vertical transverse sectional view thereof takenon line 6 6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View thereof taken on line7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 8-11 are transverse sectional views severally simice ilargenerally to FIG. 5 but illustrating the various partsin differentpositions during different phases of operation of the apparatus wherebythese views depict a sequence of operation; FIG. 8 illustarting thecondition of the parts as the restraining element approaches fullretraction, FIG. 9 illustrating the condition of the parts duringpartial iirst protraction of the restraining element, FIG. 10illustrating the condition of the parts during subsequent partialretraction of the restraining element, FIG. 11 illustrating thecondition of the parts during subsequent attempted protraction of therestraining element.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view on a diminutive scale of restraintapparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention and showing one form of linear structure constituting a secondembodiment thereof associated with a passenger carrying seat representedin phantom, several of such linear structures being illustrated.

FIG. 13 is a vertical longitudinal sectional View, on an enlarged scale,of one of the linear structures shown in FIG. l2 and illustratingcertain internal parts in elevation with portions broken away to revealhidden structure, the pawl member being shown in a positioncorresponding to full retraction of the restraining element.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the slidable pawl member andassociated deactivator means shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a further enlarged vertical transverse sectional view of thelinear structure shown in FIG. 13 and' taken on line 15-15 thereof.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary vertical central longitudinal sectional Viewthereof taken on line 16-16 of FIG. l5.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal sectional view thereoftaken on line 17-17 of FIG. 15 and depicting the pawl member andassociated deactivator means in a condition corresponding to fullretraction of the restraining element.

FIGS. 18-21 are views similar to FIG. 17 but showing the slidable pawlmember and associated deactivator means in different longitudinalpositions along the elongated housing and in different positionsrelative thereto whereby these views depict a sequence of operation;FIG. 18 illustrating the condition of the parts when the restrainingelement is being rst protracted, FIG. 19 illustrating the condition ofthe parts during subsequent partial retraction of the restrainingelement, FIG. 20 illustrating the condition of the parts duringsubsequent attempted protraction of the restraining element, and FIG. 21illustrating the condition of the parts during subsequent partialretraction of the restraining element.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to theleft-hand portion of FIG. 13 but illustrating a modified construction oflinear type restraining apparatus and therefore constituting a thirdembodiment of the present invention, the pawl member being shown in aposition corresponding to full retraction of the restraining element.

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 but showing the slidable pawlmember and associated deactivator means in an intermediate positionalong the elongated housing and illustrating their condition when therestraining element is being first and partially protracted.

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIGS. 22 and 23 but illustrating theslidable pawl member and associated deactivator means in an extremerightward position with respect to the elongated housing and depictingtheir condition When the restraining element has been fully protracted.

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 23 but illustrating the position ofthe slidable pawl member and associated deactiV-ator means with respectto each other and also 3 with respect to an intermediate portion of theelongated housing during subsequent partial retraction ofl therestraining element.

FIG. 26 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the restraintapparatus shown in FIG. 22 and taken on line 26-26 thereof.

' FIGS. 1-11 d-isconnectable and separable two-element buckle indiycated generally at 32, the other element of which is suitably connectedto the end of a second strap 33. The opposite end of this strap 33 issuitably fastened to an attaching bracket 34.

The Vreel structure 30 and bracket 34 are suitably secured to the frame(not shown)V of a vehicle behind a seat structure indicated at 35 andadjacent one end thereo'f.V This yseat structure 35 is shown asincluding a seat portion 35s and a back portion 35b forming a joint 35]'therebetween. The bracket 34 is arranged toward the longitudinal centerof the seat structure, and the reel structure 30 adjacent the outer endthereof. The fixed length of strap 33 projects through the joint 3S]-whereas the other strap 31 traverses the laterally outer end of the seatportion 35s.

The buckle 32 may be of any suitable construction. When its elements arejoined together so as to connect the straps 31 and 33 around the bodyofa wearer sitting on the seat structure 35 adjacent the corresponding endthereof, the right end as viewed in FIG. 1, a safety belt is provided sothat the strap 31 is prevented from further protraction followingadjustment to suit the body of the wearer, as more fully explained laterherein. Thus when in use the safety belt is in a normally locked-upcondition.

The reel structure 30a is shown arranged toward the longitudinal centerof the seat structure 35, and the reel structure 3017 adjacent the outerend thereof, so that these reel structures are arranged laterally onopposite sides of a person who would occupy the left end'portion of theseat structure 35, as viewed in FIG. l. A restraining element 31a shownas a length of strap is operatively associated with the reel structure36a. Another restraining element 33a shown as a length o-f strap isoperatively associated with the reel structure 30b. Adisconnectabletwo-element lbuckle indicated -generally at 32a has its elementsseverally connected to the outer or free ends of the straps 31a and 33a.The reel structures 36a and30b are suitably secured to the vehicle frame(not shown) behind the seat structure 35. The strap 31a projectsupwardly and forwardly through the joint 35]', whereas the strap 33atraverses the corresponding laterally outerend of the seat portion 35s.Y

The buckle 32a may be of any suitable construction. When its elementsare joined together so as to connect the straps 31a and 33a around thebody of the wearer occupying the corresponding seat end portion, asafety belt is provided so that the straps 31a and 33a are preventedfrom further individual protraction following adjustment to t the bodyof the wearer, as more fully explained later herein. Thus when in usethe safety belt provided by the connected straps 31 and 33a is in anormally locked-up condition. Y

Each of the various straps 31, 31a and 33a is a protractile andretractile restraining element the effective length of which dependsupon the extent to whichthe strap is protracted from the housing ofthe'corresponding reel structure 3i), 34m or 3671. Since these reelstructures are identical in construction, only a detailed descriptionofthe reel structure 3) will be given and it is intended to be equallyapplicable to and descriptive of the other reel structures 30a and 3dlb.

The reel structure 30 has a frame shown as including a channel member 37having .a base portion 38 and upstanding integral ilange or side wallportions 39 and 40. The frame also includes a first upstanding end wall41 and a second upstanding end wall 42 spaced from the end wall 41.These end walls 41 and 42 are arranged slightly inwardly ofand'adjacentl the opposite ends of the channel member 37 between theside walls 39 and 40 thereof. Each of the end walls 41 and 42 includesan outwardly extending integral flange 43'which extends not only overthe lbase portion 38 but also extends along the side wall portionsv 39and 4d, "as shown in FIG. 6. These flanges, 43 are shown as fastened tothe side wall portions 39 and 40 by rivets 44, two such rivets beingemployed to secure each flange 43, as best shown in FIG. 6. Y

A pair of holes 36 is provided through the channel base 38 andsuperposed ange 43 at each end of the structure so that fasteningdevices such as bol-ts (not inclined position so that tangential pay-outof the strapsA 31, 41a and 33a directs these straps toward the joint35]'. Any other suitable typeof mounting may be employed.

The approximate upper half portion of each of the end walls 41 and 42extends above the top edges of the channel flanges 39 and 40 and has agenerally semi-circular outline when viewed from the end of the reelstructure, as shown in FIGS. 3 6 and 8-11. A `cover plate 45 is shown asengaging these generally semi-circular upper edges and as overlappingthe channel ange portions 39 and 4t), being secured thereto by one ormore screws 46 on each side.

Thus the end walls 41, 42 and the cover 45 provide a compartment 43 inwhich a reel indicated generally at 49 is housed. The reel 49 is shownas comprising a spool having a sleeve Sil and axially spaced integralend heads 51 and 52. The sleeve 50 has a longitudinal slot 53 extendingfor its full length between its end heads 51 and 52 throughrwhich thelooped end portion 54 of the strap 31 is partially inserted. This strap31 may be made of any suitable material so as to be exible whereby itmay be wound around the reel sleeve Sti as shown in FIG. 4and alsostrong enough to withstand the loadlng to which it may be subjected inuse. The loop 54 may be formed in any suitable manner. The strap 31extends through an opening S5 provided in the cover 45 adjacent the topand one side of the longitudinal center thereof, this opening extendingarcuately in the direction of curvature of the cover for some extent topermit the strap as it extends through the opening to assume a widevariety of angular dispositions. also extends longitudinally of the reelso as to be slightly longer than the width of the strap, as shown inFIG. 2.

The reel 49 is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis, as viewedin FIG. 2. While this may be accomplished in any suitable manner, themeans for elfecting this are shown as comprising a stationarycylindrical axle 57 one end of which extends through a circular hole 58provided in the end wall 41. Immediately inwardly of the end wall 41,the spool end head 51 is shown as extended radially inwardly of theinside diameter of the sleeve 50 and extended axially outwardly toprovide an integral hub portion 59 which engagingly surrounds. the axle57 and is journalled thereon. The other spool end head 52 is shown ashaving an integral radially inwardly extending inner hub portion etiengagingly surrounding the axle 57 and an outer integral hub portion 61of, smaller inside diameter.

The opening 55 The bores of the hub animee.

portion 60 and 61 are connected by a frusto-conical sec'- tion 62adapted to engage a frusta-conical transition section 63 formed on theaxle 57. A cylindrical reduced diameter axle end portion 64 extendscoaxially outwardly from the transition section 63 and is peripherallyengaged by the inner cylindrical surface of the outer hub portion 61.The outer hub portion 6l extends outwardly through a hole 65 provided inthe end wall 42 and has a cylindrical periphery which engages the wallsurface of this hole 65 whereby the corresponding end portion of thereel is journalled on this end wall. Thus the axle 57 is intended to bestationary and the reel 49 rotates thereon, engaging the same by the hubportions 59-6l; and this reel rotates relative to the frame, beingjournalled in the end wall bearing holes 58 and 65.

The diametrically and axially largest part of the axle 57 extendsthrough the opening provided in strap loop 54. Any other suitable modeof fastening the inner end of the strap 31 to the reel 49 may beemployed.

Means are provided for constantly urging the strap 3l to a fullyretracted or predetermined wound-up condition on the reel 49. While suchmeans may be variously constructed, the same is shown as comprising aspiral leaf spring 63 arranged within a cup-shaped casing indicatedgenerally at 72. The inner convolution of this spring surrounds theouter hub portion 61 and the inner extremity of this spring is shown asconnected to this hub portion by a radial pin 69 which extends through ahole provided in the spring end and is partially received is a recessprovided in the hub portion 61.

The outer extremity of the spiral spring 68 is shown as riveted at 7) tothe circular side wall 71 of the casing 72 which also has an end Wall 73provided centrally with a hole 74 through which the free end portion ofthe reduced axle portion 64 extends. The latter is provided with anannular groove immediately outside the end wall 73 in which groove asplit retaining ring 75 of conventional construction is partiallyarranged. This split ring 75 partially overlaps the casing end wall 73.In this manner, the axle 57 is held against leftward axial displacementwith respect to the reel 49 and its frame, as viewed in FIG. 2, and theengaging shoulders 62 and 63 prevent rightward movement of the axlerelative to the reel. The outer end face of the hub 61 of the reelclosely opposes the inner surface of the casing end wall 73 to preventrightward movement of the reel relative to the frame.

The rim of the cup-shaped casing 72 engages the axially facing outersurface of the end wall 42 and this casing is suitably fastened to thisend wall. For this purpose, the casing is shown as provided with a pairof diametrically opposed hook-shaped lugs 77 which extend axiallyoutwardly from the casing rim, being preferably formed integrallytherewith, and these lugs are severally adapted to penetrate slots 7Sprovided in the end wall 42. The lugs 77 are adapted to hook over themarginal portion of wall 42 at one edge of the corresponding slot 7S, asbest shown in FIG. 7. This is eilected by rst inserting the lugs throughthe slots and rotating the casing 72 relative to the end wall 42 in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6. Further, it will be seenthat the circular side wall 71 of the casing 72 is constantly urged torotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6 so as toretain the otset ends of the lugs 77 hooked over the end wall 42, asshown in FIG. 7.

With further reference to FIG. 6, it will be seen that when protractingor pulling out strap 31, the reel 49 including its outer hub portion 61is rotated in a counterclockwise direction so as further to Wind up andload the spiral leaf spring 66. Even when the strap 31 is in a fullyretracted condition the spring 68 is preferably preloaded in a directionto urge further retraction.

One-Way stop means are provided to be inoperative to prevent protractionof the strap 31 from a predetermined retracted condition in which it ispartially stowed within the reel housing but rendered operative toprevent protraction of the strap after partial retraction thereof. Whilesuch means may be variously constructed, the same are shown ascomprising engageable and disengageable lock members 79 and gli. Thelock member 79 is shown in the form of a toothed ratchet wheelpreferably formed integrally with the spool end head S1 and including aplurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 87. Each tooth yhas a radialabutment surface 67 and a part-arcuate and part-chordal cam surface 97.As shown, the ratchet wheel 79 is arranged laterally outwardly of theend head 5l between the same and the end wall 4I. The ratchet teeth 87are concentrically formed with respect to the longitudinal axis of theaxle 57,

The other lock member Sil is shown as being a pawl, one element of amovable assembly indicated generally at 8l. Besides the pawl 89, theassembly 8l is shown as comprising a shaft 82 arranged generallyparallel and eccentric to the axle S7, a deactivator arm 83, adeactivator linger 84, and a sensor arm SIS. The shaft 82 extendsbetween the end Walls 4I and 42 and is suitably journalled in bearingholes provided therein, one of which holes is shown at 86 in FIG. 6.

The pawl S0 is arranged opposite the ratchet wheel 79 and is shown ashaving an abutment end face 88 on its outer 0r free end and a cam face89 on its side opposite the ratchet wheel. When the pawl is moved sothat its free end is swung toward the ratchet wheel 79, the abutmentfaces 67 and 8S are adapted to engage each other as shown by dottedlines in FIG. 1l, if the wheel 79 is urged to rotate in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 1l. On the otherhand, if this wheel 79 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the camsurfaces 97 and S9 will engage and ratchet one on the other to allowsuch movement of this wheel.

The deactivator arm 83 is disposed opposite the inner hub portion 60 ofthe reel 49 which has a cylindrical peripheral surface 9@ which acts asa friction drum for a purpose explained later herein.

The sensor arm 85 is arranged on the shaft 82 intermediate the pawl tilland the deactivator arm S3. This sensor arm 85 is shown as having aslightly curved outer end portion 91 adapted to bear against theslidingly engage the periphery of the outermost convolution of the strap31 wound around the sleeve 50 of the reel 49.

The pawl Si), deactivator arm 83 and sensor arm 3S are all fast to theshaft 82 so as to move therewith as a unitary assembly. This assembly Siis urged to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 82 so as tomove the upper or free ends of the various parts Sti, 83 and S5 towardthe reel 49. While this may be achieved in any suitable manner, themeans for elfecting this are shown as including a preloadcd helicaltension spring 9?; one end 0f which is hooked into a hole 93 provided inthe deactivator arm 83 intermediate its ends, and the outer end of whichis hooked over an anchor pin 94 suitably mounted on the end wall 42 andextending axially inwardly therefrom.

The assembly Slt is shown as limited in the extent to which it can pivotor swing in an opposite direction about the longitudinal axis of shaft82. As shown in FIG. 5, a stop pin 95, which may be suitably mounted onthe end wall 42 and shown as extending axially inwardly therefrom, isadapted to be engaged by the deactivator arm 83 adjacent its free end onthe side thereof remote from the reel 49.

The deactivator finger 84 has one end suitably pivotally connected tothe outer end of the deactivator arm S3. For this purpose, the arms 33and 84 are shown as overlapping each other and pivotally connected by apivot pin 96 the axis of which is generally parallel to that of theshaft 82. The other end `of the deactivator linger Sd is provided with aconcave end face 9S which is joined to one straight side edge 99 of thefinger by a rounded corner portion indicated at Itltl.

In explaining the operation of the form of the invention shown in FIGS.1-11, it is rst assumed that the strap 31 Vis approaching its fullyretracted condition as depicted in FIG. 8. As there shown', the reel 49is rotating in a clockwise direction, so that the radial thickness ofthe portion of the strap wound around the reel t9 is suihcient to engagethe sensor arm 85. Such engagement displaces the movable assembly 81 ina counterclockwise direction about the axis of shaft 82 to the maximumextent permitted by the stop pin 95 being engaged by the deactivator arm3. As the strap V31 approaches its fully retracted condition, eventhough the friction drum 9u is being rotated in a clockwise direction soas to have a frictional contact with the finger face 98, the weight ofthis finger overcomes this frictional effect so that this face 93 slideson the drum surface 911 to maintain the linger in the position shown inFIG. 8. In such position the linger 84 is in its maximum pivotalposition in a clockwise direction relative to the deactivator arm 83about the axis oi pivot pin 95. The end face 93 of the deactivator nger84 may be considered to engage the drum surface90 at a place laterallyof and above an imaginary line connecting the longitudinal axis of axle57 and that of pivot pin 96.

` Assume now that the strap 31 is starting to be pulled from'itsaforesaid fully retracted position. What then happens is depicted inFIG. 9. With protraction of the strap 31, the reel 49 rotates in acounterclockwise direc-- tion. The frictional engagement between itsdrum surface 90 and the linger end face 98 tends to pivot the ringerYtill relative to the deactivator arm '83 in a clockwise direction aboutthe axis of pivot pin 96 but such further pivotal movement cannot occurbecause the deactivator arm 83 is already engaging the stop pin 95. yThelinger S4 thus remains in the'position shown in FIG. 9.

It will be noted that during continued protraction of the strap 31 theeiective diameter of the portion of the strapgwound around the reel 49decreases so as to terminate contact between the outermost strapconvolution and the sensor arm 85. Notwithstanding such separation, the

linger 84 acts as a strut effective to hold the pawl Sil out ofengagement with the ratchet wheel 79.` Thus the arm 83 andy linger 84serve as a deactivator means operative to maintain the assembly 81 in aposition in which the pawl Sli is held out of engagement with theratchet wheel 79.

At this juncture, it is to be observed that the first protraction just'described is thatwhich'attends the seat occupant iirst pulling thestnap 31 outwardly from the reel structure 3u to fasten the strap abouthis body. This initial protraction of the strap is naturally excessiveso as to enable the elements of the buckle 32 to be connected together.Following connection of the buckle elements. the stnap 31 is manuallyreleased whereupon the action of the retraction spring o8 rotates thereel in a clockwise 'direction as viewed in FlGS. 3-6 and 8-11 until thebelt provided by the joined'strap portions 31 and 33 adjusts itself tothe girth of the wearers body. This partial'retraction of the strap 31will produce the following operation.

It is during this partial retraction that the friction drum 9@ rotatesin a clockwise direction, as depicted speeiiically in FlG. l0. Duringthis small amount of retraction the frictional engagement between thedrum surface 90 and deactivator finger face 93 is such as to pivot thislinger in a counterclockwise direction relative to the deactivator arrn83 about the axis of the pivot pin 96. During such counterclockwisepivotal movement and with the added uroing or" the spring 92, the linger84 first rolls on the drum 9@ about the curved corner edge portion 1li@and then slides on the straight side edge portion 99, this lattercondition being depicted in FIG. ll. Thus the eiiectiveness of thedeactivator linger 34 as a strut to hold the pawl out of engagement withthe ratchet wheel 79, is destroyed. Rather, the aforementionedcounterclockwise movement of the iinger 8d to its inoperative positionillustrated in FlG. l1 allows the pawl 8i) to swing toward and intoengagement with the ratchet Wheel '19.V Such engagement between themembers '79 and 30 prevents subsequent protraction of the strap 31. Thisis caused by the faces 67 and 3S on the wheel 79 and pawl 80,respectively, abutting each other. This is the normally locked-upcondition of the strap 31 when worn as a belt by the passenger occupyingthe right yhand portion of the seat structure 35 as shown in FIG. 1.This normally locked-up condition gives the wearer a sense of securitysince he is positively restrained even from voluntarily moving forwardlyso as to attempt to protract the belt strap 31 still further.

The wearer can readily free himself from the restraining eliect of thestrap 31. This is accomplished by manipulating and separating thetwo-element buckle 32, following which the strap 31 is retractedautomatically by the spring 63 to a fully retracted condition in whichthe free end of the strap 31 is disposed closely adjacent the front sideot the seat joint 35i so as to be readily accessible for reuse.

During each full retraction, as the strap 31 is wound around the reel 49the effective diameter increases so as to reestablish contact betweenthe outermost strapy convolution and the sensor arm 85. As this occursand is maintained the sensor arm S5 swings the movable `assembly 81 in acounterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of shaft 32thereby swinging the pawl S0 out or engagement with the ratchet wheel79. At the same time, the deactivator finger 84 is urged by its weightto rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the deactivator arm 33about the axis of pivot pin 96 until it will ultimately resume itsposition depicted in FIG. 8.

It will thus be noted that the arm 83 and finger 84 act as means todeactivate the ratchet and pawl mechanism 79, Si? during the iirstprotraction of the strap 31 immediately following full retractionthereof but such deactivator means are rendered inoperative upon partialretraction ofk the strap 31. Such rendering inoperative of the deactiva-Itor means Vallows the ratchet and pawl mechanism to become operative toprevent subsequent protraction of the strap 31, unless such strap hasiirst been substantially fully retracted.

It will further be noted that as the strap 31 approaches its fullyretracted condition, the sensor arm 85 acts as a means to reactivate thedeactivator means comprising the arm 83 and finger 84.

FIGS. 12-21 The inventive restraint apparatus as illustrated in FIGS.12-21 is embodied in one form of a linear type structure. The structureis represented generally by the numeral and four such linear structuresare illustrated, the additional three being designated 1tl5rz, 105!) and105C. A restraining element 106 shown as a length of strap isoperatively associated with the linear structure 165. The outer or freeend of this strap 106 carries one element 107 of a disconnectable andseparable two-element buckle,

the other element 1il'8 of which is suitable connected to the outer orfree end of a second strap 106e which is operatively associated with thelinear structure 105a.

In similar manner, the linear structure 105k has a strap 105!) providedat its outer or free end with its buckle element 1il7a. The linearstructure 105e has operatively associated therewith a strap 1Mato theouter or free end of which is connected the other buckle element 108a.

The linear structures 105 and 10551 are shown as arranged generallyhorizontally under the seat portion 109s of a seat structure indicatedgenerally at 109 which also includes a back portionv1l9b. The portions199s and 1tl9b vform the usual joint 1091 therebetween. The linearstructures 1135 and ItlSa are arranged to serve a person sitting betweenthem at the remote vend of the seat portion 169m as viewed in FIG. 12,the structure 10551 being disposed toward the longitudinal center of theseat portionV 1159s and the structure being adjacent the laterally outerend thereof. The straps 106 and 196:1 are shown as extending upwardlyand forwardly through the joint 1419]'.

In order to illustrate the flexibility of mounting the linearstructures, those designated 1135]) and 105C are shown as beingdispo-sed generally upright along the rear side of the back portion 16%of the seat structure 169. 1f desired, these linear structures 105i] and165C may even be arranged within the back portion 10915. In eitherevent, the respective straps 1hab and 106e are shown as extendingforwardly and upwardly through the joint 109]' and are arranged to servea person sitting on the near end portion of the seat 109e, as viewed inFIG. 12.

The buckles represented by the corresponding pairs of elements 1il7, 168and 197er, 1G8a may be of any suitable construction. Vfhen the elements167 and 103 are joined together so as to connect the straps 1% and 10aaaround the body of the wearer sitting on the seat portion 19% betweenthe linear structures 19S and lSa, a safety belt is provided so thatthese straps are prevented from further protraction following theirrespective adjustments to suit the body of the wearer, as more fullyexplained later herein. ln similar fashion, when the buckle elements 1Moand Mido are joined together in front of the body of a person sitting onthe seat portion 1159s between the linear structures 1%!) and 1h50, asecond safety belt is provided so that the straps 106.5 and 105C areprevented severally from further protraction following individualadjustment to suit the body of the wearer, as will also be apparent fromthe fuller explanation later herein. rthus when in use the safety beltsso provided are each in a normally locked-up condition.

Each of `the various straps 1th?, 166g, 106D and 1h66 is a protractileor retractile restraining element the effective length of which dependsupon the extent to which the strap is protracted from the elongatedhousing of the corresponding linear structure 16S, 185g, 11156 and 1h50.Since these linear structures are identical in construction, only adetailed description of the linear structure 1115 will be given and itis intended to be equally applicable to and descriptive of the otherlinear structures 14150., 1655 and 195e.

The linear structure 195 has a frame shown as including a channel member11@ having a base portion 111 and transversely spaced opstandingintegral flange or side Wall portions 112. The upper end of each ofthese side walls 112 is shown as having an inwardly turned integralhorizontal ilange 113, these flanges severally having lower surfaces 117which are coplanar. The open upper end of the channel member 11@ isshown as closed by an inner cover 114 and an outer cover 115'. Thesecovers have superposed horizontal marginal portions along theirlongitudinal edges which overlay the inturned lianges 113 and thisstacked assembly is held together by a series of longitudinally spacedscrews 116. The central portions of the inner cover 11d is shown aslongitudinally depressed as indicated at 113. The central longitudinalportion of the outer cover 115 is transversely arched upwardly asindicated at 119. This provides a longitudinally extending upper space120 between the covers 114 and 115.

One end or" the channel member 11 is closed by an end wail 121. Theother end is closed by a second end wall 122 which extends downwardlyand is joined to laterally spaced gusset plates 123 to provide anattaching bracket indicated generally at 124. |The end wall 122 andgusset plates 123 are preferably secured to the channel member 11i) bywelding. Between the gusset plates 123 is shown a bolt 125 for attachingthe linear structure 165 to the vehicle frame represented by the element126. Any other suitable mode of attaching the linear structure 105 tothe vehicle frame may be employed.

Adjacent the end wall 122, the covers 114 and 115 are provided with anopening indicated at 12d in which a spool or guide roller 129 isarranged for rotation about the axis of a transverse axle 13E) the endsof which are suitably mounted on the side wall portions 112 of thechannel member 110. Passing through the opening 12S |and around thespool 129 is the strap 196. As previously explained, the outer or freeend of this strap 1% carries the buckle element 167. The inner end ofthis strap 1% is suitably connected to a pawl member indicated generallyat 131. This pawl member 131 is slidable longitudinally of the elongatedhousing 132 provided by the channel member with its inner cover 114.

The pawl member 131 is a component of irreversible one-way stop meansinoperative to prevent initial protraction of the strap 106 from a fullyretracted condition in which this strap is partially stowed within thehousing 132, but rendered operative to be further protracted afterpartial retraction of the strap. Other components of such one-way stopmeans include a plurality of ratchet teeth severally indicated at 133arranged on the central depressed portion 118 of the inner cover 114.These ratchet teeth 133 are shown as lugs struck out from the sheetmetal of which the cover 114 is fabricated and severally inclinedownwardly and to the left as viewed in FIG. 13, or toward the startingposition of the pawl member 131 when the strap 1% is in -a fullyretracted condition, as illustrated in such ligure. Each of the lugs 113has an abutment end face 134 and a downwardly Ifacing inclined camsurface 135.

The lugs or lteeth 133 are arranged in a row one after the otherbeginning adjacent the opening 123 at the right end lof the linearstructure as shown in FIG. 13, and continue to a point adjacent the leftend of this structure. To the left of the last end tooth 133 the centralportion of the cover 114 inclines downwardly yand to the left with anelongated ramp surface 13d which intersects with a depressed horizontalsurface 13S. This surface 138 is vertically spaced from and generallyparallel to the oor or upper Surface 137 of the channel base portion111. A suitably secured transverse stop bar 139 extends across the leftend portion of the depressed horizontal surface 138.

Adjacent the spool 129 the linear structure 165 is provided with atransverse stop bar 141i in the form of a rod which extends between theside wail portions 112 of the channel member 110 and is suitably securedthereto. This second stop 146' limits the extreme rightward travel ofthe pawl member 131 as viewed in FIG. 13, and corresponds to a fullyprotracted condition of the strap 106.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the pawl member 131 is shown ascomprising a body of inverted U-shape in transverse cross-section havingan intermediate horizontal flat top wall portion 141 from the oppositelongitudinal marginal edges of which depend integral vertical flanges142. These downturned anges 142 act as runners and each has anintermediate bottom edge portion 143 parallel to the upper surface ofthe top wall 141, an upwardly and rearwardly inclined rear bottom edgeportion 144 and an upwardly and forwardly inclined front bottom edgeportion 145.

The central front portion ofthe top wall 141 of the pawl member 131 isshown as having a straight transverse abutment -face or edge 146 whichprojects forwardly with respect to the rearwardly inclined lateral edgeportions 14S. The runners 142 are shown as extending forwardly of therear ends of the inclined front edges 143 of the top wall 141. Suchforwardly projecting portion of each runner 142 is shown as having anupwardly `and rearwardly inclined top edge 149 which is generallyparallel to the rear bottom edge 14E-4 of the corresponding runner. Thehigh rear end of the top edges 149 extend above the upper surface of thetop wall 141.

The runners 142 adjacent their inclined rear bottom edges 144 are shownas carrying a transverse bar 150 which is suitably secured .at itsopposite ends in these runners, such as by being arranged in holesprovided therein of similar configuration to the cross-sectional shapeof the bar 150 and staked or otherwise secured to prevent displacementfrom such holes. The inner end of 1 the strap 106 is shown as formedwith .a'loop indicated at v151 and surrounding the transverse bar 151B.This loop 151 may be formed in any suitable manner on the strap 166.

The pawl member 131 and the strap 106, by reason of the attachment ofthe latter to the former, are constantly urged to a fully retractedposition. While any suitable means may be provided for accomplishingthis, the means illustrated comprises an elastic shock cord 152. One endof this'cord 152 is shown as looped and surrounding an anchor pin 157which depends from and is suitably centrally connected to the top wall141 of the pawl member 131 between the salient abutment end face 146 andthe transverse strap securing bar This elastic cord 152 is shown aspassing around a grooved guide wheel or pulley 153 suitably journalledon a bracket 154 which is suitably mounted on the housing end wall 121as by screws one of which is indicated at 155. The upper portion of thisguide wheel 153 extends through an opening provided in the inner cover114 So that an end portion of the elastic cord 152 can be housed withinthe upper compartment 120. The extremity of this housed portion oftheelastic cord 152 is anchored to the structure frame in any suitablemanner as by the clip device 156 shown in FIG. 13. This clip device 156is suitably secured to the extremity of the elastic cord as by clampiingers and is hooked over Vthe transverse base edge of the last'tooth133 adjacent the opening 128.

Inasmuch as the pawl member 131 pivots on the fulcrum corners 147`formed by juncture'of the corresponding bottom edge portions 143 and144, thereby -assurning different angular positions with respect to theelastic cord 152, Vthe top wall 141 of the pawl member adjacent its rearend is shown as being centrally cut out, indicated at 158, to preventinterference with this cord. In this connection the portion of theelastic cord 152 adjacent the `anchor pin 157 passes over and bearsdownwardly against the ystrap securing bar 150. Therefore, the effect ofthe l,

constant retractive force exerted lupon the pawl member 131 by theelastic cord 152 is such as to produce a force component directeddownwardly against the pawl member in rear of its fulcrums 147 andthereby produce a couple constantly urging the pawl member to pivot in acounterpawl member 131 out of effective locking engagement with theratchet teeth 133 at certain times. While such deactivator means may bevariously constructed, the same is shown as comprising a pair ofdeactivator fingers 161B.

These lingers 161B are laterally spaced from each otherV and arrangedbetween the upstanding front portions of the side runners 142 of thepawl member 131. The deactivator fingers 161) are similar inconstruction to each other. Each is formed to provide a Vflat edgesurface V161 joined by a roundedV corner edge surface 162 to a secondflat edge surface 163 disposed at an angle to the first iiat surface161. Both fingers 161B are fast to a horizontal transverse shaft 164which is suitably journalled at its ends in bearing holes 165 providedin the runners 142.

The linger assembly comprising the two lingers 161) and shaft 164 arebiased to pivot in a counterclockwise direction relative to the pawlmember 131 about the horizontal transverse longitudinal axis of theshaft 154, as viewed in FIGS. 16-21, by suitable spring means. Whilesuch spring means may be variously constructed, the same are shown asincluding a wind-up spring 166 having a series of convolutions spirallywrapped around the transverse shaft 164 and at opposite ends is formedto provide radial arms 167 and 168'each having an outturned finger atits free end. The finger of arm 167 is received in a hole 169 providedin the adjacent deactiva- Vtor nger 1ct). The finger of arm 15S isreceived in a hole 159 provided in the runner 142 adjacent the otherdeaetivator finger 1&6. The bias of such spring 166 urging relativemovement between the fingers 16@ and pawl member 131 is relativelyslight as compared to the previously described fulcruming bias upon thepawl member exerted by the eiastic cord 152.

The operation of the linear form of the invention shown in FIGS. 12-21can best be understood by a specific consideration of FiGS. 17-21 whichdepict a sequence of operation. in FIG. 17, the pawl member 131 is inits starting position, also illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 16, in which therear or left end of the pawl member abuts against the left stop 139. Inthis position the spacing between the opposing surfaces 137 and 138 isabout equal to the height of the pawl member as measured between theruimer bottom edges 143 and the upper surf-ace of the top wall 141 sothat the pawl member is held by the surface 13S downwardly against thechannel iioor 137, but the pawl member can be readily pulledlongitudinally out of such narrow spacing. Also, in this position of thepawl member the deactivator fingers 161i will have pivoted so as tobring their at edges 161 into engagement with the lower horizontalsurfaces 117 of the inturned channel iianges 11?, such pivotal movementbeing urged by the spring 166. This condition of the parts isillustrated in FIG. 17.

Assume now that the strap 166 is protracted. This will pull the pawlmember 131 out of the vertically narrow space between the opposingsurfaces 137 and 138, as depicted in FG. 18. The sliding frictionalContact between the deactivator hnger edges 161 and the frame surfaces117 tends to rotate the lingers 160 in a counterclockwise directionrelative to the pawl member 131 about the axis of transverse shaft 164.These fingers 160 act as struts and serve to maintain the intermediatebottom edge portions 143 of the pawl runners 142 in sliding con tactwith the io'or surface 137 whereby the pawls salient abutment end face146 is held below and out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 133.Accordingly, the strap 166 is free to be protracted to any extentdesired.

Assume now that after some protraction of the strap 1116, as would beoccasioned by the user first pulling out :the strap 106 to fasten thebuckle elements 107 and 163, there is some retraction'permitted as whenthe user releases the joined straps 1de and 111661 to allow the slack inthe belt so provided to be tairen up. An early stage of such retractionis depicted in FiG. 19. As there shown, the deactivator linger 16) hasbegun to be pivotcd in a clockwise direction relative to the pawl member131 about the axis of transverse shaft 164. This has been effected byreason of the frictionai contact between the opposing frictionalsurfaces 161 and 117 which ultimately separate, Vallowing Vthe fingers161i to roll on their rounded corners 162. Thus the strut action of thefinger begins to collapse allowing the pawl member 131 to tip upwardlyon its fulcrums 147. This upward tipping of the front portion of thepawl member 131 is urged by the elastic cord 152.

Asretraction continues, the pawl member 131 ultimately assumes theposition shown in B1G. 20. There the linger 164? has been shown aspivoted in a clockwise direction relative to the pawl member 131 aboutthe axis of transverse shaft 164 so as to permit pawl top edges 149 tocontact frame surfaces 117 and also to permit pawl heel edges 144@ toengage the frame ioor surface 137. In this position of the pawl member131, it will be observed that the pawl abutment face opposes an abutmentface 134 on one of the ratchet teeth 133. Thus if further protraction isattempted, these abutment faces 134 and 145 will abutingly engage eachother and prevent'such'further protraction.

On the other hand, the pawl member 1.51 is free t0 slide in the oppositedirection. This is permitted by the upper surface of the pawl top wall141 slidingly engaging and caniming on the inclined cam faces 135 of theatchet teeth 133. Thus a ratcheting action takes place during retractionof the strap 1% and associated pawl member 131 but this member and theratchet teeth operatively engage each other to prevent reverse relativemovement between the pawl member and the teeth as would occur duringattempted protraction of the strap.

Assume now that the wearer Wants to free himself from the safety belt.He therefore manually disconnects the buckle elements 1-37 and 1118releasing the straps 166 Nida so as to allow the same to be fullyretracted. `Nhat takes place then is depicted in FlG. 2l wherein thepawl member 131 is shown as camming or ratcheting on one of the teeth133 toward its starting position. Ultimately the top surface of the pawlmember will engage the ramp surface 13d leading to the depressedhorizontal surface 138 which will hold the pawl member down against thefloor surface 137. During such retraction and ratcheting action, thedeactivator fingers 1d@ ride along the under surfaces 117 of the housingframe, pivoting about the axis of transverse shaft 1nd but never beingallowed to assume a position in which the finger edges 151 re-engage theframe surfaces 117 until the pawl member approaches the fully retractedcondition for the strap td. As such fully retracted position isapproached, the operative position of the deactivator fingers 169 willbe restored as depicted in FIG. 17 so that the strap T116 may beprotracted again during another cycle Of operation.

It will be noted that in the linear type of structure shown in FIGS.12-21, the strap 1116 is prevented from a second protraction following apartial retraction from any extent of first protraction. Thus themechanism is rendered operative at any place along the longitudinalextent of the linear structure.

FIGS. 22-26 The inventive restraint apparatus as illustrated in FIGS.22-26 is embodied in another form of a linear type structure. Thestructure is represented generally by the numeral 18S). The frame of thestructure is generally similar to that of the form shown in FIGS. 12-21and therefore comprises a channel member indicated generally at 181,having a base portion 132 the upper fiat surface of which is indicatedat 1&3, with transversely spaced upright integral flange or side wallportions 134. Each of these side walls 154.'- has at its upper end aninturned horizontal marginal liange 185. An inner cover 187 rests on theflanges 185 and has a depressed longitudinal central section 18S formedto provide a series of longitudinally spaced ratchet teeth 139. An outercover 190 is arranged above the inner cover 187. rlfhe flanges 135 andcovers 187 and 19S are joined together in any suitable manner.

One end of the channel member 181 is closed by an end wall 191. An endWall 192 closes the other end of the channel member. Adjacent the endwall 192 the frame of the linear structure is provided with an opening193 in which is arranged a spool or guide roller 194 mounted forrotation about a horizontal transverse axle 195 suitably mounted on thestructure frame. A strap 196 is shown as passing around the spool 194and at its inner end is connected to a pawl member represented generallyby the numeral 198.

The pawl member 19S and strap 195 are constantly urged toward aretracted condition by an elastic shock cord 199 which passes around agrooved guide wheel or pulley 230 mounted for rotation about ahorizontal transverse pivot pin 291. This pin 291 is .shown asjournalled on the side walls of an open box-like bracket indicatedgenerally at 202 which is suitably attached to the end wall 191 as byscrews one of which is indicated at 263. The elastic cord 199 has anupper reach arranged in the space between the covers 187 and 19t) 14 andthe end of this cord remotefrom the pawl member 198 is suitablyconnected to the frame structure.

The pawl member 19S is identical in construction to the paw] member 131shown in FIGS. 12-21 and hence a detailed description thereof will notbe repeated. The strap 196 is similar to the strap 106 shown in FIGS.l2-2l. When in a starting position illustrated in FIG. 22, the pawlmember 198 abuts against the end wall portion 204 of the bracket 2412.When at the opposite extent of its travel the pawl member 19S engages atransverse stop bar 205, as illustrated in FIG. 24.

'I'he pawl member 198 carries a pair of transversely spaced deactivatorfingers 265 which functionally are the equivalent of the deactivatorfingers shown in FlGS. 12-21 but structurally different therefrom. Eachof the deactivator fingers 205 is shown-as having a pair of edgesurfaces 20d and 207 arranged at about right angles to each other. Theend of the surface 2116 remote from the end which has a juncture withthe surface 267 is shown as rounded as indicated at 208. The fingers 20Sare fast to a transverse shaft 'or pivot pin 210 which has its endsshown journalled in bearing holes provided in the pawl member 198. Awind-up spring 211 has its spiral convolutions surrounding thetransverse shaft 210 and the offset arm portions of this spring atopposite ends thereof are received in holes one of which indicated at2119 is provided in one of the deactivator fingers 295 and the other ofwhich holes is provided in the pawl member 193 adjacent the other ofthese deactivator lingers. The spring 211 is operative constantly tourge the deactivator fingers 2415' to the upright position shown inFIGS` 22 and 24 in which this spring is unloaded. In other words, whenthe fingers 2115 are in the position shown in FIG. 23, they are urged bythe spring 211 to pivot in a clockwise` direction relative to the pawlmember 198 about the axis of transverse shaft 2161; but when thesefingers are in the position shown in FIG. 25, they are urged by thespring to pivot in a counterclockwise direction. This pivotal urging isrelatively minor as compared to the counterclockwise pivotal urging ofthe pawl member 198 induced by the elastic cord 199.

When the pawl 193 is in the starting position depicted in FIG. 22 it isin a tipped condition in which its front is raised off the channel floorsurface 133, this tipped up condition being Ilimited by the engagementof the top 'of the pawl member with a depressed horizontal surface 212of the frame structure adjacent the bracket 2412. Also, when in thisstarting position the deactivator ngers 2115 extend upwardly severallyinto vertically slots 213 provided through the superposed parts 18S, 187and 190.

When the pawl member 198 is in its extreme terminal positionrepresenting full protraction of the strap 19d, as depicted in FIG. 24,the deactivator lingers 2115 severally project upwardly into verticalslots 214 provided in the superposed parts 185, 187 and 190 adjacent the,stop bar 265.

Assuming the parts to be in the condition illustrated in FIG. 22 whichdepicts the fully retracted condition of the strap 19d, as this strap isprotracted it pulls the pawl member 198 in a rightward direction. Thisultimately brings the rounded corners 2118 on the deactivator fingers20S into Contact with the opposing end walls of the slots 213. Suchengagement forces the fingers 205 to pivot in a counterclockwisedirection relative to the pawl member 193 about the axis of transverseshaft 21d so as to cam the finger surfaces 2116 into contact with thecorresponding flat under surfaces 215 of the inturned channel flanges185. This Contact between the surfaces 206 and 215 forces the front endof the pawl member 198 downwardly so that the pawl member pivotsclockwise about its fulcrum 218, whereby the abutment end face 216 ofthe pawl member is held out of engagement with any of the abutment endfaces 217 of the ratchet anvar/oa i teeth 189, as depicted in FIG. 23.In this mannerthe strap'196 is permitted to be protracted.

Assume now that the strap 196 has been so protracted t the full extentpermitted, as depicted in FIG. 24. When the paw'l member 198 is in theposition there shown, it will swing from the previous position jshown inFIG. 23 in a counterclockwise direction about the fulcrurn 218. At thesame time the deactivator fingers 205 pivot in a clockwise directionrelative to theV pawl member 1 93 about the axis 'of transverse shaft210 to the position shown in FIG. 24 in which these fingers projectupwardly into the slots 214.

If the strap 196 is now manually released so as tozpermit the elasticcord 199 to retract'thepawl member-198 it will be seen that the surfaces207 on Vthe deactivator fingers 295 will engage 'the corresponding endwalls of the slots 214 and cause further clockwise pivotal movement ofthese fingers. As the pawl member is being retracted the finger surfaces2W will be cammed into -sliding engagement with the frame surfaces 215,as depicted in FIG. 25. This ailows the pawl member '19S to slide overthe teeth 189 during retraction but yet `be able to prevent reverserelative movement between the pawl member and the frameas would beoccasioned'if the strap 95 were attempted'to be protracted a secondVtime. As the pawl member 198 slides over the teeth 189 the fingers 205`will pivot relative to the pawlmember to maintain the surfaces 207 and215 in contact with each other.

It will further be seen that as the pawl member 19% approaches a fullyretracted condition, the deactivator fingers 2ti5 will be broughtopposite the'slots 213, permitting these ngers to project upwardly intothese slotsand thereby be returned to a position in which they are readyto be operative during a subsequent `protraction of the strap 196. Y

Thus the Slots 214 cooperating with the fingers 205 are effective torender these fingers inoperative or to deactivate the same, Whereas theslots 213 are eiiective to reactiYate the lingers or restore them to apreparatory operative position. Y

With the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 22-26 it will be notedthat the strap 196 must be fully protracted before some retractionoccurs in order to render the one- Way stop means operative -to preventsubsequent protraction of the straps, unless the strap is first fullyretracted. This is in contrast to the form of the invention shown inFIGS. 12-21 in which the one-way stop means can be rendered operativeafter vpartial retractionffollowing any amount of initial protraction.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the various ernbodimentsillustrated and described accomplish the stated objects of theinvention. Inasmuch as Vfurther modifications and changes in Vtheseillusrated embodiments may voccur to those skilled in th art withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention, these embodimentsare intended to be illustrative and not limitative of the invention thescope of Which is to be measured by the appended claims.

What is claimed is: Y

l. In restraint apparatus, the combinationcomprising a reel, arestraining element wound .around said reel in a predetermined woundcondition from which it is adapted to be unwound during pay-Out rotationof said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewind rotation,and one-way stop -means inoperative to prevent a first payfout rotationof said reel from said condition but rendered operative after partialrewind rotation of said reel, said stop means including a ratchet wheelrotatable with said reel, a pivotal pawl member engageable anddisengageable with said wheel, a friction drum rotatable with said Vreeland a deactivator finger pivotally mounted on said pawl member andhaving a surface engaging said drum so arranged that when said drum isrotated during sa-id first pay-out rotation said finger is retained inan opera- ;tivepositionin whichl it acts as a strut to hold said pawlmember out of engagement with said wheel but when said drum is reverselyrotated during said rewind rotation the frictional engagement betweensaid surface and drum is effective to pivot said finger relative to saidpawl member to an inoperative position in which said pawl member isreleased for engagement with said wheel.

2. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a reel, arestraining element Wound around said reel in a predetermined woundcondition from which it is adapted Ito be unwound during pay-outrotation of said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewindrotation, and one-way stop means inoperative to prevent a first pay-outrotation of said reel from said condition but rendered operative afterpartial rewind rotation of said reel, said stop means including aratchet wheel concentric and rotatable with said reel, a pivotalassembly -including a shaft, a pawl and an arm both fast to said shaft,means yieldingly urging said pawl toward engagement with said Wheel, afriction drum Vconcentric and rotatable with said reel and a deactivatorfinger pivotally mounted at one end on said arm and having its other endin irictional contact with said drum, rotation of said drum during saidfirst pay-out rotation tending to pivot said finger in one directionrelative to said arm so as to push said pawl away from said wheel, meanslimiting the pivotal movement of said finger in saidone direction to anoperative position in which said finger slidingly engages a peripheralportion of said drum at a place laterally and in advance of a lineconnecting the rotational axis of said reel and the axis of the pivotalmounting for said finger, rewind rotation of said drum rendering saidfrictional contact effective to pivot said finger in a directionopposite to said onedirection into an inoperative position in which saidpawl member is released for engagement with said wheel.

3. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a reel, arestraining element wound around said reel in a predetermined woundcondition from which it is adapted to be unwound during pay-out rotationof said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewind rotation,and one-way stop means inoperative to prevent a first payout rotation ofsaid reel from said condition but rendered operative after partialrewind rotation of said reel, said stop means including a ratchet wheelconcentric and rotatable with said reel, a pivotal assembly includ-ing ashaft arranged with its axis substantially parallel and eccentric tothat of said reel, a pawl, a sensor arm and a deactivator arm, said pawland arms being fast to said shaft, means yieldingly urging said pawltoward engagement with said wheel, a friction drum concentric androtatable with said reel and a deactivator finger pivotally mounted onsaid deactivator armand -movable between operative and inoperativepositions, said finger when in said operative position engaging sa-iddrum and acting as a strut effective to hold said pawl out of engagementwith said wheel but ineective to do so when in said inoperativeposition, said sensor arm engageable with said element wound around saidreel andresponsive to the effective diameter of such structure and beingoperative to effect movement ofsaid finger from its said inoperative toits .said operative position as said element is rewound around said reeland approaches said condition.

4. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising Va reel, arestraining element wound around said reel in a predetermined woundcondition from which it is adapted to be unwound during pay-out rotationof said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewind rotation,deactivatable stop means for preventing protraction of said element, anddeactivator means responsive to a predetermined amount of said elementbeing wound around said reel for rendering said stop means inoperative.

a reel, a restraining element wound around said reel in y apredetermined wound condition from which it is adapt- 'i 7 ed to beunwound during pay-out rotation of said rcel, means constantly biasingsaid reel toward rewind rotation, deactivatable stop means -forpreventing protraction of said element but allowing retraction of saidelement at all times, deactivator means operative to render said stopmeans inoperative when said element is protracted from said conditionand rendered inoperative by subsequent partial retraction of saidelement, and means arranged to reactivate said deactivator means as saidelement retracts to said condition and including a sensor engageablewith said element wound around said reel and responsive to tbe eliectivediameter of said element and reel.

6. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a reel, arestraining element wound around said reel in a predetermined Woundcondition #from which it is adapted to be unwound during pay-outrotation of said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewindrotation, one-way stop means deactivatably arranged to preventprotraction of said element and including a pivoted lock member movablebetween locking and unlocking positions, and deactivator means for saidstop means and including a friction drum rotatable with said reel and adeactivator ringer pivotally mounted on said lock member and having asurface engaging said drum so arranged that when said drum is rotatedduring first pay-out rotation from said condition said iinger isretained in an operative position in which it acts as a strut to holdsaid lock member in said unlocking position but when said drum isreversely rotated during said rewind rotation the frictional engagementbetween said surface and drum is effective to pivot said inger relativeto said lock member to an inoperative position in which said lock memberis released for movement toward said locking position.

7. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a reel, arestraining element wound around said reel in a predetermined woundcondition from which it is adapted to be unwound during pay-out rotationof said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewind rotation,oneway stop means deactivatably arranged to prevent protraction of saidelement and including a pivoted member having a lock poration movablebetween locking and unlocking positions and a sensing portion, anddeactivator means for said stop means and including a friction drumrotatable with said reel and a deactivator finger pivotally mounted onsaid member and movable between operative and inoperative positions,said iinger when in said operative position engaging said drum andacting as a strut effective to hold said lock portion in its unlockingposition but ineiiective to do so when in said inoperative position,said sensing portion engageable with said element wound around said reeland responsive to the effective diameter of such structure and beingoperative to eiiect movement of said finger from its said inoperative toits said operative position as said element is rewound around said reeland approaches said condition.

8. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a reel, arestraining element wound around said reel in a predetermined woundcondition from which it is adapted to be unwound during pay-out rotationof said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewind rotation,deactivatable pay-out stop means for said reel inoperative when saidelement is in said condition, and deactivator means for said stop meansoperative when said element is in said condition to render said stopmeans inoperative and including a member requiring no manipulation topermit protraction oi said element from said condition but movable inresponse to partial rewind rotation of said reel olowing saidprotraction to render said stop means operative.

9. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a. reel, arestraining element wound around said reel in a predetermined woundcondition from which it is adapted to be unwound during pay-out rotationof said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewind rotation,deactivatable pay-out stop means lfor said reel inoperative when saidelement is in said condition to allow protraction of said element andincluding a movable lock member, and deactivator means for said stopmeans including a deactivator member mounted on said lock member andmovable in response to partial rewind rotation of said reel `followingsaid protraction to render said stop means operative.

10. in restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a reel, arestraining element wound around said reel in a predetermined woundcondition from which it is adapted to be unwound during pay-out rotationof said reel, means constantly biasing said reel toward rewind rotation,deactivatable pay-out stop means for said reel inoperative when saidelement is in said condition to allow protraction of said element, anddeactivator means for said stop means including a irst member movable inresponse to partial rewind rotation of said reel following saidprotraction to render said stop means operative and also including asecond member responsive to the effective diameter of said element woundaround said reel as said element retracts to said condition to rendersaid stop means inoperative again.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,581,235 1/52Broberg 'Wl-17.5 X 2,737,07lL 3/56 Dibner 74-l7.5 X 3,160,669 8/63Monroe.

DONALD W. PARKER, Primary Examiner.

MERVIN STEIN, Examiner.

4. IN RESTRAINT APPARATUS THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A REEL, A RESTRAINING ELEMENT WOUND AROUND SAID REEL IN A PREDETERMINED WOUND CONDITION FROM WHICH IT IS ADAPTED TO BE UNWOUND DURING PAY-OUT ROTATION OF SAID REEL, MEANS CONSTANTLY BIASING SAID REEL TOWARD REWIND ROTATION, DEACTIVABLE STOP MEANS FOR PREVENTING PROTRACTION OF SAID ELEMENT, AND DEACTIVATOR MEANS RESPONSIVE TO A PREDETERMINED AMOUNT OF SAID ELEMENT BEING WOUND AROUND SAID REEL FOR RENDERING SAID STOP MEANS INOPERATIVE. 